Why do you want to work here? is a common interview question, and one that you probably do know the answer to.
You made the effort to apply for the position and turn up to the interview, so you should have some idea of what attracts you to the role.
But in the pressure situation of a job interview, this easy to answer question becomes a lot more difficult.
The interviewer is asking this question to discover why you would be a good fit for the company, and a poorly thought out and generic answer won’t appeal.
This question reveals more about who you are as a person, and a good answer can convey exactly what makes you a desirable candidate.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best ways to answer why do you want to work here?
We’ll also cover some answers that you definitely don’t want to give.
Why Do Employers Ask ‘Why Do You Want To Work Here?’
A job interview isn’t just a chance to learn about a candidate’s qualifications. It’s an opportunity to discover who they are as a person.
Your answer to the question why do you want to work here can help them understand your motivations and values.
Employers will also get a chance to see how well your personality will match the company.
This question will also show an interviewer just how well you researched and prepared.
If you can’t explain what it is that draws you to the business, they’ll assume you didn’t give the position much consideration before applying.
Answering ‘Why Do You Want To Work Here?’
When answering this question, it’s important to speak honestly, and to give an answer specific to the situation.
A generic response won’t do.
Here are some key tips for creating your response.
Do Your Research
It’s important to research the job role and company before applying for a position, but heading into your interview, research is key.
When you understand the company, you can better explain how you’ll fit into it.
The interviewer will recognize your interest, and see you as a person who prepares.
Begin your research on the company website.
A company mission statement is the best way to understand the overarching purpose of the organization.
Take a look at any associated social media pages as well, to get a better grasp of company culture.
Another place to look is the press concerning the company.
This will give you a clearer idea of the company mission, and how you can be a part of it.
Highlight Your Passions
How you answer this question should give the interviewer a clear picture of how you will fit into the company.
Think about how your interests and values align with what you’ve discovered in your research.
A good answer should convey not only why you want to work for the company, but why the company should want you working for it.
Consider Your Ambitions
Discuss what it is you want to achieve, and why you think this company is the right place to get you there.
You might be looking for a new job because your current job no longer fits your needs.
How your ambitions align with the company mission statement and your responsibilities in the new role can show your interest in mutual success.
Don’t make it sound as though you have one foot out the door already, but discuss how previous successes could be replicated and improved in this new role.
Think About The Answer From Different Angles
Instead of thinking why do I want to work here?, ask yourself why should this company want to hire me? Both questions can be answered in similar ways.
It’s important to think of how your attributes should align with the values of the company, and flipping the question can often make the answer clearer.
Be Specific
One of the worst answers you can give in an interview is a generic platitude.
This will indicate to the interviewer that you haven’t done any research, you aren’t interested in the role, and you’re applying for any job with a vacancy.
Even if this isn’t true, a generic answer will still give the impression that you aren’t bothered.
You don’t have to start listing facts and figures, but you do need to make it clear that you understand exactly what the company is about.
What Not To Say
- Don’t give a generic answer.
“The company seems great” might seem good enough, but it really shows that you haven’t done any research.
Don’t choose a statement that can apply to any company.
Be specific in naming what draws you to this exact organization.
Consider the responsibilities of the role, and why they attracted you. - Don’t make the job sound like a stepping stone.
We mentioned the importance of ambition earlier, but it’s crucial you don’t talk about the role as if you’re already looking to move on.
Instead, talk about how the company can meet your ambitions, and how you can achieve success together. - Don’t sound unenthusiastic.
No matter how well-thought-out your answer is, sounding bored will kill your chances.
Instead of practicing your answer so you can say it word-perfect with no enthusiasm, spend your time researching.
This way, you can provide a good response without sounding like you’re reading off a sheet. - Don’t mention pay.
‘Because it pays well’ is perhaps the worst answer you give, up there with ‘because I need a job’.
It might feel like an honest and funny answer, but it won’t go over well.
Final Thoughts
Why do you want to work here initially seems like an obvious question, but how you answer can reveal a lot about your personality and your ambitions.
Take the time to research the company, what they’ve achieved, what their mission statement is, and the workplace culture.
Then, consider how these attributes are relevant to you.
A good answer is personal, and shows you’ve actually thought about your role in the company.
